Public school leaders to oppose 'choice'

Posted: Fri 1:17 PM, Nov 10, 2017

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota's public schools want to shut down "school choice" discussions in the state before they begin.

The Argus Leader reports that statewide public school groups are resolving to oppose bills that would expand school choice more than two months before legislators convene in Pierre for the 2018 session.

The Associated School Board of South Dakota president says the group added the new resolution to its priorities this year in response to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The federal Education Department plans to increase spending for charter schools and voucher programs under DeVos, who is a vocal advocate for school choice.

It's unclear whether state legislators will take on school choice expansion. But a Sioux Falls education official says that won't stop schools from getting ahead of the issue.